hold a vote

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a vote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when the speaker or writer wishes to suggest that the group take a vote among its members to decide something. For example: "The board decided to hold a vote in order to decide on the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it can hold a vote on the timing.

The Economist

Previously, he promised to hold a vote on separation.

The New York Times

"I call on my leadership to hold a vote".

The Guardian

That would enable him to impose an electoral law and hold a vote.

The Economist

Congressional Democratic leaders have committed to hold a vote on whatever plan a commission produces.

The New York Times

It needs to hold a vote of confidence, and then lose, for elections to be possible.

The Economist

Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have pledged to hold a vote.

The New York Times

Republican leaders of the House are considering whether to hold a vote on expelling him.

The New York Times

Mr. Bouchard, whose term expires in 2003, repeated his pledge to hold a vote on independence.

The New York Times

Thereafter, Ms. Poh said, workers could decide whether or not to hold a vote.

The New York Times

The first thing they did after taking over the school was to hold a vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a vote" when you want to emphasize the action of conducting a formal or official voting process. It's appropriate in contexts ranging from organizational decisions to political elections.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a vote" interchangeably with phrases like "take a poll" if you specifically mean a formal voting procedure. "Take a poll" implies a less formal opinion-gathering process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a vote" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of conducting a vote. It describes the process of allowing members of a group or electorate to express their opinion or choice on a particular matter. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a vote" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the action of conducting a formal voting process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it implies a structured process aimed at reaching a decision or gauging consensus. Related phrases include "conduct an election" and "take a poll", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the formality and scope of the voting process. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a formal voting procedure rather than a casual opinion-gathering exercise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertake a vote

A more formal way of saying "hold a vote", suggesting a serious undertaking.

conduct an election

Emphasizes the formal process of carrying out an election.

convene a ballot

Suggests a formal gathering or meeting for the purpose of voting.

stage an election

Highlights the organization and execution of an electoral event.

call for a vote

Highlights the request or need for a voting process to occur.

take a poll

Refers to gathering opinions, often in a less formal setting.

initiate a poll

Focuses on starting or launching a survey to gather opinions.

organize a ballot

Emphasizes arranging and managing the voting process.

cast a ballot

Focuses on the act of individual voters submitting their choices.

have a ballot

Indicates the availability or existence of a voting process.

FAQs

How can I use "hold a vote" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a vote" to describe the action of conducting a formal voting process. For example: "The committee decided to hold a vote on the proposed changes".

What are some alternatives to "hold a vote"?

Alternatives include "conduct an election", "take a poll", or "stage an election", depending on the context and formality.

Is "hold a vote" formal or informal?

"Hold a vote" is generally considered neutral to formal. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding context than the phrase itself.

When is it appropriate to use "hold a vote" vs "take a poll"?

Use "hold a vote" when referring to a structured, often official, voting process with defined rules and procedures. Use "take a poll" when referring to a less formal gathering of opinions.